MUST vs HAVE TO

 Must vs. Have To

Generally, "must" and "have to" express obligation. However, there are subtle differences:

• Must: "Must" usually expresses an internal obligation or a strong recommendation from the speaker. It often reflects the speaker's own feeling about what is necessary. It can also indicate a rule or law, particularly when the speaker is the source of that rule.

• Example (Internal Obligation): "I must call my mother. It's her birthday, and I promised I would." (The speaker feels this obligation).

• Example (Strong Recommendation): "You must try this restaurant! The food is amazing." (The speaker strongly recommends it).

• Example (Speaker-Originated Rule): "You must finish your homework before you can play video games." (A parent setting a rule).

• Have To: "Have to" usually expresses an external obligation – something imposed by an external source, like a rule, law, or circumstance.

• Example (External Rule/Law): "Drivers have to stop at red lights." (A traffic law).

• Example (Circumstance): "I have to work late tonight to finish this project." (The situation demands it).

• Example (Habit/Routine): "I have to get up early for work." (A regular obligation).

Key Difference Summarized: "Must" is often more subjective (the speaker's feeling), while "have to" is often more objective (an external requirement).

Mustn't vs. Don't Have To

Now, let's look at the negative forms, which are where people often get confused:

• Mustn't: "Mustn't" expresses prohibition – something that is not allowed. It's a strong "no."

• Example: "You mustn't smoke in this building." (It's prohibited).

• Example: "You mustn't tell anyone my secret." (It's forbidden).

• Don't Have To: "Don't have to" expresses lack of obligation – something that is not necessary.

• Example: "You don't have to come to the party if you're tired." (It's optional).

• Example: "We don't have to buy milk. We have plenty in the fridge." (It's not needed).

Key Difference Summarized: "Mustn't" means "it is prohibited," while "don't have to" means "it is not required."

Common Mistakes and Clarifications:

• "Must" in the past: "Must" doesn't have a past form in the same way as other verbs. To express obligation in the past, we usually use "had to." For example, "I had to work late last night."

• "Have got to": "Have got to" is often used interchangeably with "have to," especially in spoken English. It carries the same meaning of external obligation. For example, "I've got to go now."

• "Will have to": This is used to express future obligation. For example, "I will have to finish this report by Friday."

In Short:

• Must: Speaker's obligation, strong recommendation, speaker-originated rule.

• Have to: External obligation, rule, law, circumstance.

• Mustn't: Prohibition (not allowed).

• Don't have to: Lack of obligation (not necessary).

By understanding these distinctions, you can use "must," "have to," "mustn't," and "don't have to" correctly and confidently.

Okay, here are 10 sentences for you to complete, using "must," "mustn't," "have to," or "don't have to":

Exercise: Complete the sentences with "must," "mustn't," "have to," or "don't have to."

1. You ____________ forget to bring your passport when you travel abroad.
2. I ____________ finish this report by tomorrow morning.
3. Children ____________ play in the street; it's dangerous.
4. We ____________ buy tickets in advance; we can get them at the door.
5. She ____________ wear a uniform at her new school.
6. You ____________ tell anyone my secret.
7. They ____________ arrive before 8 a.m. for the flight.
8. I ____________ go to the supermarket today; we have plenty of food.
9. Everyone ____________ respect the rules of the library.
10. You ____________ drive on the left in this country.

Here are the answers:

1. You mustn't forget to bring your passport when you travel abroad.
2. I have to finish this report by tomorrow morning.
3. Children mustn't play in the street; it's dangerous.
4. We don't have to buy tickets in advance; we can get them at the door.
5. She has to wear a uniform at her new school.
6. You mustn't tell anyone my secret.
7. They have to arrive before 8 a.m. for the flight.
8. I don't have to go to the supermarket today; we have plenty of food.
9. Everyone must respect the rules of the library.
10. You must drive on the left in this country.

Exercise: Complete the sentences with "must," "mustn't," "have to," "don't have to," or "don't need to."

1. You ____________ eat all the cake; just have a slice if you're hungry.
2. We ____________ be late for the meeting; the boss is very strict.
3. She ____________ buy a new phone; her old one still works perfectly.
4. You ____________ touch the paintings in the museum.
5. I ____________ go to the bank today; I can do it online.
6. They ____________ wear formal clothes to the party; it's a casual gathering.
7. He ____________ study every night; he's already very knowledgeable.
8. You ____________ tell me everything, but I'd appreciate honesty.
9. We ____________ submit the application before the deadline.
10. You ____________ worry; everything will be alright.

Here are the answers:

1. You don't have to / don't need to eat all the cake; just have a slice if you're hungry. (Both work here)
2. We mustn't be late for the meeting; the boss is very strict.
3. She doesn't need to buy a new phone; her old one still works perfectly.
4. You mustn't touch the paintings in the museum.
5. I don't have to / don't need to go to the bank today; I can do it online. (Both work here)
6. They don't have to wear formal clothes to the party; it's a casual gathering.
7. He doesn't need to study every night; he's already very knowledgeable.
8. You don't have to tell me everything, but I'd appreciate honesty.
9. We have to submit the application before the deadline.
10. You don't have to / don't need to worry; everything will be alright. (Both work here)